Areas for discussion include (and are not limited to):

•         What does a good procurement policy look like?

•         How do we introduce sustainable procurement policies, prioritise and set targets?

•         How to develop and implement a sustainable procurement strategy?

•         Benchmarking – how is everyone else getting on?

•         How do we engage with/influence procurement teams and suppliers?

•         Assessing impacts and risks for various categories of spend (how to use data and finance systems to prioritise)

•         How does procurement feed into the challenge of achieving net zero?

•         A more in-depth look at a particular stream – such as plastic and packaging

•         Industry guidance and standards e.g. ISO20400

•         Resources, guidance, case studies and external organisations that can support

One challenge raised by many network members is the responsible procurement of commodities and products that use agricultural and forest commodities such as palm oil and timber.   For this discussion group we are delighted to be joined by Emily Fripp, Director of Efeca.  Emily will provide a brief overview on:

•         Efeca’s work in the sustainable procurement of commodities, in particular timber and palm oil.  Including how Efeca support UK-wide industry in meeting corporate and market requirements

•         Drivers at the international and national level for greater due diligence in forest risk commodity supply chains e.g. palm oil

•         Pending UK and EU Due Diligence Regulations for forest risk commodities and existing timber regulations.

•         Core components of pending UK Due Diligence Regulation, Government Buying Standard and UK Timber Regulation.  What does this mean for companies & sustainable procurement?

Efeca provides technical advice and technical support to public and private sectors on policies, regulations and commitments (individual to global), for responsible sourcing of forest risk commodities, including timber, palm oil, soy, rubber and cocoa.  Clients range from the Tropical Forest Alliance (part of the World Economic Forum), European Commission, UK Government (Defra, BEIS, FCDO), research and civil society organisations and the private sector. Efeca provides technical advice and technical support through the supply chain from point of import (large traders) and consumer goods companies to manufacturers, processors and retailers. 

Any member is welcome to attend, regardless of previous experience or knowledge on this topic. The group will be of benefit to all network members, whatever your size and scope of operations/activity. From organisations just starting off to those already delivering procurement policy and strategy there will be lots to share and collaborate on.